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Joan Eckrich Obituary
With profound faith and a heart full of love, Joan Eckrich, of Western Springs, IL, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 86. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, always prioritizing her family and Catholic faith above all else. Joan was part of the St Cletus and St John Rosary Clubs as she honored the Virgin Mary. Joan was the eldest daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Skalski. Beloved sister and proceeded in death by: Joseph Skalski Jr, Jerome Skalski and Frances Skalski. Survived by her loving 4 daughters, Cynthia (Kevin) Renkowiecki, Sandra Eckrich (Kenneth Madison), Nancy Eckrich and Patricia (David) Baran. Adored Grandmother to Louis Eckrich, Morgan Baran (Conner Phillips), Haily and Corryn Baran and precious great grandmother to Ethan and Josh Eckrich. Loving aunt, cousin and godmother too many in the Eckrich and Skalski families. Former loving wife of the late James Eckrich. While Joan's top life priorities were her faith and family, her exemplary work ethic enabled a renowned and accomplished career in Banquet management, mainly at the former House of Lynwood.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 from 2 to 8pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home 1025 W. 55th Street Countryside, IL. Funeral prayers 9:30am Saturday, January 18, 2025 from the funeral home to St. Cletus Church, LaGrange for Mass at 10am. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery at 12:30pm in Calumet City, IL. Mass intentions are welcomed in Joan's memory at St Cletus Church. Funeral Info: 708-352-6500 or hjfunerals.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Joan Eckrich
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
2 Entries
Nancy Allen
December 3, 2025
Joan was such a beautiful soul. She joined us for daily Mass and the Rosary at St. John of the Cross Parish for many many years. We said at least 2 rosaries everyday. People would leave our rosary because we kept adding new prayers to Our Blessed Mother. We had them all memorized from daily repetition for issues within our country and all around the world
Joan was outgoing to say the least. She was most interested and concerned for every soul she met. I was so fortunate to find myself in her orbit. It was easy to become fast friends. We shared joys, sorrows and laughs, lots of laughs. When I was down, she picked me up, and gave me confidence that things would work out fine. When you spoke with her, you had her undivided attention. She made you feel like you were the most important person in the world.
We moved back home to KC years ago. I had often thought of dropping into town to see her. Well, I was finally gonna make it happen this weekend only to find she has returned home to the Father. She finished the race, the final crown of glory is hers.
Rest in Peace, Joanie, say "hi" to Lillian for me.
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Memorial Events
for Joan Eckrich
Jan
17
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525
Jan
18
Prayer Service
9:30 a.m.
Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525
Funeral services provided by:
Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525
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